(368o) Granular Hydrogels for Vascular Network Engineering

My research interests include, but are not limited to, biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, bioengineering, and biomaterials. I focus on developing advanced biomaterials, innovative drug delivery systems, organ models, and tissue engineering techniques. I am eager to apply my expertise in bioengineering, pharmaceuticals, and drug development sectors, aiming to drive advancements and create scalable industrial solutions. I am open to diverse opportunities that leverage my skills in these areas.

Research experience:

• Nano- and micro-fabrication of various types of microfluidic devices, including step-emulsification, flow-focusing, and T/Y junction devices, using soft lithography in nanofabrication facilities (cleanroom) at Penn State.
• Conducted high-throughput droplet microfabrication (over 40 million droplets per hour) with exceptional monodispersity.
• Synthesized and characterized hydrogels using a diverse range of biomaterials, such as Gelatin, Gelatin Methacryloyl, Alginate, and Hyaluronic Acid.
• Fabricated spheroids and biohybrid spheroids through a combined approach involving hydrogel microparticles (microgels) with various mammalian cell types, achieving a 4-fold increase in metabolic activity compared to conventionally used cell aggregates.
• Evaluated biomaterial-cell interactions using mammalian cells through metabolic activity assays, live/dead staining, immunostaining, and ELISA, demonstrating high biocompatibility, cell proliferation rates, and functionality.
• Developed granular hydrogel scaffolds using microgel building blocks, optimizing cell-scale micron-size porosity and mechanical strength for enhanced tissue integration. Figure 1E shows GHS with three different sizes of microgel building blocks.
• Enabled 3D bioprinting of granular hydrogels via reversible interfacial nanoparticle self-assembly, improving the extrudability, printability, and shape fidelity, with preserved porosity and biocompatibility (Figure 1A).
• Developed in situ forming, breathable, thermostable, and bioadhesive granular hydrogel scaffolds.
• Bioengineered patterned hierarchical microvasculature using granular hydrogel scaffolds, accelerating neovascularization in vivo. (Figure 1B)
• Utilized rodent in vivo models for subcutaneous implantation, calvarial defect, and hindlimb micropuncture, demonstrating scaffold biocompatibility and effective integration through histological analysis and imaging.

Industry Relevance:

My research aims to translate cutting-edge biomaterials science into practical industrial applications, creating scalable and efficient solutions for the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. My work is designed to meet the needs of these sectors by improving product development and manufacturing processes.